Kenneth Okonkwo Accuses Peter Obi Of Betrayal, Signals Political Shift Ahead Of 2027 Elections.
Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has publicly accused Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, of betraying him, reigniting tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape. In a fiery statement shared on social media platform X on 13 June 2025, Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the LP’s presidential campaign, expressed disillusionment with Obi’s leadership, claiming it has derailed his vision for a new Nigeria. The remarks, made during an interview on Voice of the People 90.3 FM, have sparked widespread debate as the nation gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Okonkwo, who left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the LP in 2022, had initially been a staunch ally of Obi, championing his campaign as a symbol of hope for a “new Nigeria” built on equity, justice, and fairness. However, in his latest outburst, Okonkwo alleged that Obi’s failure to address internal crises within the LP and his perceived ambivalence towards key political issues amounted to a personal and political betrayal. “Peter Obi betrayed me,” Okonkwo declared, adding, “Any politician that knows what he is doing cannot be betrayed by anybody. If there is anyone that betrays the other, it is Peter Obi that betrayed me.”
The actor-turned-politician pointed to Obi’s handling of the LP’s leadership turmoil, particularly his refusal to openly support the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in their efforts to wrest control of the party from what Okonkwo described as “criminals” led by LP National Chairman Julius Abure. “An ordinary statement from Obi would have resolved the crisis,” Okonkwo stated, expressing frustration that Obi’s inaction left party members confused about the LP’s future. He further criticised Obi for publicly stating he did not promise to build a strong LP but rather to solve Nigeria’s problems, a stance Okonkwo believes undermines the party’s political viability.
Okonkwo’s remarks build on his earlier criticisms in July 2024, when he announced his exit from the LP, citing Obi’s inability to build a party capable of winning elections or securing its mandate. At the time, he described the LP as a “secret society led by a group of clowns” and expressed disappointment that Obi lacked the resolve to confront the party’s challenges head-on. Despite Obi’s response, in which he called Okonkwo a “trusted ally” and urged supporters to refrain from labelling him a mole, the rift has clearly widened.
In his latest comments, Okonkwo also hinted at a new political direction, suggesting that Nigeria’s survival in 2027 hinges on a coalition of like-minded candidates. Speaking on Arise Television in May 2025, he advocated for a system where presidential aspirants face free and fair primaries, allowing voters to decide without backroom deals. While he did not confirm a specific alignment, his openness to coalitions has fuelled speculation about potential alliances, including with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar.
Reactions on X have been polarised. Some users, like @SuoazOfficial, suggested that Obi’s only path to salvaging the Obidient movement is to form a new political party, while others, such as @BwalaDaniel, mocked Okonkwo’s dramatic exit, referencing his Nollywood roots with the quip, “O seti go.” Supporters of Obi, however, remain steadfast, with some arguing that Okonkwo’s criticisms stem from impatience and a lack of political wisdom. “The betrayal narrative is just noise. Obi’s focus is on Nigeria, not party politics,” one user posted.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Okonkwo’s public fallout with Obi underscores the fragility of political alliances and the challenges facing the LP. While Obi’s vision for a new Nigeria continues to resonate with many, Okonkwo’s accusations highlight the need for stronger party structures to sustain that momentum. For now, Okonkwo’s next move remains uncertain, but his outspoken critique has set the stage for a contentious political season.
